Emergency Generator Selection, Installation Require Careful Planning

Generac Unit Installed at Service Station

This is what the emergency standby generators look like when they're installed in most business settings. They're only two or three times the size of your air conditioning unit, and they make little noise when running. This Generac unit runs on natural gas, starts automatically when the power fails, automatically exercises itself and runs its own diagnostics. (Photo Credit: Generac)

Emergency backup generators come in a variety of sizes and configurations, and can be put to a variety of uses. Here's a look at what you'll have when you have one installed. When it comes to your business, planning and executing an emergency generator installation is a job for the pros. "First, you need to determine what you want to power and what the wattage requirements are," Dan Giampetroni, business manager for Kohler Power Systems told eWEEK in a written statement. "Take an inventory of the systems and appliances you need to power in your business, including things like lights, security system, air conditioning, cook tops, sales registers, refrigeration, computers, data servers, etc. For example, a gas station could take anywhere from a 30- to a 150-kilowatt standby generator, depending on the number of pumps, coolers and the geographic location (higher air conditioning demand in warmer regions). Finally, consider the fuel source. Will the generator be running on LP (or liquefied petroleum gas), natural gas or diesel?"